Playón Mexiquillo. 02/02/04; Michoacán; 67 ha; 18°07'N 102°52'W. National Sanctuary. The Mexiquillo beach is important for the breeding of three species of marine turtles: the Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), the Olive Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) and the Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas); it is considered one of the five most important beaches for the breeding of the Leatherback turtle in the Mexican and Mesoamerican Pacific. This species has been included in the IUCN List of Threatened Species since 2000 and the three species are protected under the Mexican law and listed by CITES. The site is still well conserved, but an increase in the tourist sector during the past few years could imply the urbanization of the area. The lack of strict protection of the beach area, and its frequent use by 4-wheel-drive vehicles, is also a major threat to the turtles populations as well as to the fragile vegetation of the beaches. Ramsar site no. 1350. Most recent RIS information: 2004.